HouzzFirst-time homebuyers and millennials are spending more than ever on home renovation projects, according to the sixth annual Houzz & Home survey of more than 100,000 respondents in the U.S. In one of the largest increases seen this year, renovators who bought their first home in 2016 spent $33,800 on average, 22 percent more than in 2015. Baby Boomers and older generations (55+) continue to spend roughly three times more than Millennial homeowners (25-34), however Millennials invested an average of $26,200 in 2016, seven percent more than they spent in 2015. Investment in home renovation overall remains strong as homeowners spent $60,400 on average on 2016 renovations, in line with 2015 ($59,800 on average).READ MORE

Glass MagazineThe American Architectural Manufacturers Association released the "AAMA 2016/2017 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast," which delivers information on window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. The report found that total housing starts continued their growth curve in 2016. The overall new housing market is expected to continue at a strong level of growth through 2019.
READ MORE

.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Jamsill Guard® Sill Pan Flashing Jamsill Guard® is an adjustable sill pan flashing designed to prevent water damage from window and door leaks. Made from high impact ABS plastic, Jamsill Guard® will not deteriorate or corrode over time. Our multi-piece telescoping design allows on-site adjustability to fit all rough openings and features sloped weep areas to help evacuate moisture to the exterior of the structure. Jamsill Guard® is bonded together on site using PVC cement, creating a one-piece sill pan flashing beneath your door or window. Click here to view our video.

Remodeling
Chuck Winkles writes:
"When I started New Life Bath & Kitchen in 1979, word-of-mouth referrals and traditional offline advertising, like signs, door hangers, and mailers, kept the phone ringing. I was actually one of the few contractors in my area that had signs on our truck, but now that's pretty common practice.
Fast-forward a couple decades and our business relies heavily on the internet and our website. They serve as advertising tools to help us acquire new qualified leads. We still use traditional offline advertising, but the channels we use to reach new customers have certainly evolved over the last decade."
READ MORE

Construction Equipment GuideThe construction industry leaves too much on the table when it comes to email marketing, the modern alternative to direct mail. Some firms are creating informative campaigns that get results, but most use it to spew digital advertisements that make subscribers cringe.READ MORE

RemodelingWith 2017 predicted to be another great year in remodeling sales, homeowners on Houzz report they plan to spend an average of $27,300 on their next home renovation project, a 4 percent increase compared to last year, according to the 2017 Houzz & Home Survey released recently. Besides spending more, renovating homeowners are looking to hire professionals to help them with their future endeavors, with 87 percent hiring a pro in 2016 compared with 85 percent in 2015.READ MORE

Fox NewsCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday, May 5, he would considering banning thermal coal shipments in response to the U.S. imposing a 20 percent tariff on lumber imports from Canada.
Trudeau said in a letter to British Columbia Premier Christy Clark that his officials were seriously considering the federal ban on U.S. thermal coal shipments through the province’s ports.READ MORE

GreenBizWhen the Trump Administration published its proposed budget in March, most government programs aimed at investing in energy efficiency were on the chopping block, including one of the most successful public-private collaborations of all time: the Energy Star program created under George H.W. Bush and managed by the Department of Energy.
For the next five months at least, the initiative remains fully funded with about $50 million, according to the Alliance to Save Energy (the exact amount isn't broken out separately).
READ MORE